Dion Waiters and Russell Westbrook bent over with their hands on their knees in the fourth quarter. In postgame, Thunder coach Billy Donovan mentioned the Utah altitude, the challenge of the second game of a back-to-back, and the focus needed to win three games in four days.
With the help of Kevin Durant's 11-point surge in the fourth, the Thunder escaped from Salt Lake City with a win. A deep breath, get back on the plane and head home for a day of rest and a new opponent.
Only it's not a new opponent.
The Thunder has to turn around and play the Jazz again — consecutive games against the same opponent.